The Sacred Desert

Reflects on the role of the desert in theology, history, literature, art and film. This book discusses figures as diverse as Jesus, the early Christian Desert Fathers, TE Lawrence, TS Eliot, Georgia O'Keeffe, Wim Wenders and Jim Crace. The Sacred Desert is a fascinating and original work, which reflects on the role of the desert in theology, history, literature, art and film. Engaging with figures as diverse as Jesus, the early Christian Desert Fathers, William Blake, T.E. Lawrence, T.S. Eliot, Georgia O’Keeffe, Wim Wenders, Bill Viola, and Jim Crace, author David Jasper explores deserts as real places, as interior spaces and as they feature in numerous texts. He makes connections across millennia of desert texts, meditating on the mystical, religious and theological meanings that emerge. Underlying these interdisciplinary wanderings in the wasteland is the author’s quest for a new form of religious thought and language. Lively and lucid, this outstanding work stretches from the Bible – perhaps still the greatest of our desert texts – through to contemporary experiences of the desert. It is truly an original work of theology, and a captivating journey through the history of religion. The Sacred Desert is a reflection on the role of the desert in theology, history, literature, art and film. An original reflection on the role of the desert in theology, history, literature, art and film. Discusses figures as diverse as Jesus, the early Christian Desert Fathers, T.E. Lawrence, T.S. Eliot, Georgia O'Keeffe, Wim Wenders and Jim Crace. Makes connections across millennia of desert literature. Deepens the reader's understanding of the desert as a real place, as an interior space, and as a textual site, Concludes with comments on the recent conflicts in Iraq. Written in a readable and engaging style.